Shortly before midnight on 22 July 2002, Israeli F16 warplanes fired a missile into a two story building in Gaza City killing at least 11 people.
Salah Shehadeh, a Gaza Hamas leader was the target of the military attack.
Hamas and Shehadeh’s brother Fayiz both confirmed Shehadeh’s death.
According to Fayyaz, Shehadeh’s wife and three daughters also died in the attack though fieldworkers from Al Mezan said none of their bodies reached the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
Salah Shehadeh was at the top of Israel’s “wanted” list in Gaza.
At least 11 other people died in the attack including 8 children and a two-month old baby.
Six of the dead children were from the same family.
The missile completely destroyed the targeted building, owned by Iyad Abu Jahl, as well as the one next to it, and damaged a number of homes nearby.
The homes are located in the ad-Darraj residential area of Gaza City.
Following is a list of the casualties so far confirmed: Diana Ra’id Matar – 5 years Muhammad Ra’id Matar – 4 years Ayman Ra’id Matar – 1 and a half years Alaa’ Muhammad Matar – 11 years Dina Rami Matar – 2 months Iman Hassan Matar – 27 years Muna Fahmi al-Hwitti – 30 years Muhammad Mahmud al-Hwiti – 16 years Subhi Mahmud al-Hwiti – 4 and a half years Ahmad Muhammad ash-Shawa – 5 years Muhammad Mahmud ash-Shawa – 40 years At least 73 persons were wounded and dozens were taken to hospital in shock.
This is the second time in less than two weeks that Israel has targeted a civilian home in a residential area of the Gaza Strip.
On 14 July 2002 F16 warplanes bombed a home in Khan Yunis, home of a suspected “militant”.
There were no casualties in this attack.
On 4 February 2002 Israeli forces sought to assassinate Hussain Abu Kweik, a leader of Hamas in Ramallah.
Helicopter gunships fired a missile into his car killing his wife and children and a passer by in another car.
Abu Kweik was not at the scene.
International Law prohibits not only the reckless and shameful killing of civilians but also the “targeting” and killing of persons suspected of actions against a sovereign state.
Such persons are guaranteed fair trials and due process of law.
Additionally UN General Assembly Resolution 42/159 of 7 Dec.
1987 authorizes persons living under occupation the right to resist that occupation.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns these actions as war crimes and calls upon the international community to intervene on behalf of the Palestinians.
Silence in the face of such on-going crimes is akin to complicity.
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